A Look At The Detroit Lions Signing Of UDFA Deontez Alexander
The Detroit Lions have signed a hyper-athletic UDFA wide receiver in Deontez Alexander. While many UDFAs are typically less athletic in comparison to early round draft picks, Alexander possesses freakish athletic ability that you typically see going early in the NFL Draft. Playing at a D-III school in Franklin College is likely the reason that he fell out of the draft. Not only was he playing at a small school hurt his evaluation in terms of competition faced, but you are typically not even on as many teams’ radars.
Running a 4.35 40-yard dash, a 6.91 3-cone drill, jumping a 38″ vertical jump, and nearly an 11′ broad jump at his pro day was very impressive for the 6’1, 198 lbs receiver. For reference, his 40-yard dash time compares to former Lions running back Jahvid Best.
Will be having my pro day April 4th at ball state University #Godspeed pic.twitter.com/o9TJKKkgcD
— Deontez Alexander (@Deontez7) March 22, 2018
Alexander’s tape is impressive for a division III prospect. Which brings up the question: If he has all this athletic ability and the tape is good, why is he not playing at a division I school? The answer is that he chose to stay local to help take care of his father. His dad nearly died during surgery and required care that he chose to provide by staying around instead of traveling to playing at a big school.
Because of his ability versus small school talent, Alexander had prolific production in college. He caught 33 touchdowns in his final two seasons alone. He played in 11 of of his games his senior season, racking up 1,137 yards receiving. I was impressed with his ability to get a clean release against press man quite often. There are many athletic players drawn to the NFL, and even the wide receiver position specifically, because they possess speed. However, many do not make it simply because they cannot gain the necessary separation with consistency to last in the NFL. So, seeing Alexander do well in this area is promising to see.
Ultimately, he has a bit of a hill to climb given the Lions wide receiver corps. is one of the deepest in the league. However, no one possess the sheer athletic ability Alexander possesses. However, if the Lions feel he can be developed, do not be surprised to see Alexander make the practice squad this season or even as the 5th wide receiver if he really impresses throughout training camp.
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